Seating device with a foldable table

ABSTRACT

A seating device with a foldable table is provided. The seating device comprises a seat assembly mounted on a plurality of legs, a table and a support structure having first and second telescoping arm assemblies fixed in an angular relationship and selectively releasable clamp assemblies associated with the first and second telescoping arm assemblies allowing said telescoping arm assemblies to selectively rotate and move longitudinally. The movement of the table is restricted and released by releasable latches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chairs with a table, such as college seats and baby high chairs, are well known. Chairs with a hinged table are also well known. Chairs with a hinged table typically have an assembly for mounting a table on a chair, the assembly comprising a shaft pivotally secured to the seat at a pivot axle and rotatable about the pivot axle from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the table pivotally secured to the shaft at a pivot pin and rotatable relative to the shaft about the pivot pin to a horizontal working position when the shaft is in the vertical position, and a stop pin for limiting rotational movement of the shaft relative to the table.

While the current table attachments for chairs are effective for their purposes, they do have certain deficiencies. Table attachments have been developed which allow a mounted table to be positioned in numerous orientations. Accordingly, a table attachment that allows a mounted table to be positioned in numerous orientations would be advantageous. However, even other types of table attachments which allow flexibility of use have complex configurations to manufacture and use. Table attachments with simple configurations are preferable for portable folding chairs with a chair-mounted movable table.

Some table attachments do not fold up neatly with the folding chair. They are separate attachments that must be mounted onto the folding chair each time the table attachment is used. It is often difficult or awkward to attach and remove the table from a lightweight folding chair. Thus, because the table attachments do not fold with the folding chair they severely limit the portability of the chair/table attachment combination.

Specific examples in the prior art illustrate these deficiencies.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,451 to Smith discloses a tray mounted on both arms of a folding chair. The tray may be relatively easily removed and attached to the arms and can be used as a cafeteria tray. However, to fold the chair, the tray must be removed, the chair folded and then the tray reattached onto the arms of the chair to lock the chair in the folded position. This procedure is difficult and inconvenient especially in most picnic or beach settings.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,911 issued to Sorenson discloses an example of a more flexible mounting system. However, this reference fails to provide a flexible mounting system of a simple structure. Although this mounting system allows a table to be rotated around four different axes, it comprises four major interconnected arms which are capable of rotating around four different axes. The configuration of the mounting system would be difficult to manufacture in a simple procedure and with low cost.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,779 issued to Tolbert et al. discloses an example of a more flexible mounting system for folding chairs. However, this reference still fails to provide flexible mounting in a variety of positions. Although this mounting system allows flexible movement of a table with a collapsible chair, it still requires complex assembly procedures for manufacturers. Furthermore, to store the table for the collapsed chair, the mounting system is only capable of folding down underneath the seat. It is incapable of folding down to the side of the seat.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved table support structure for a chair. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a positioning system with a high degree of flexibility and versatility. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a table attachment which may be used with a collapsible chair

Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of a detailed description provided hereinbelow, with appropriate reference to accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention in one embodiment involves the provision of a seating device with a foldable table comprising a seat assembly mounted on a plurality of legs, a table and a table support structure with releasing latches allowing the table to rotate and to move longitudinally.

The table mounting structure includes a support structure having first and second telescoping arm assemblies fixed in an angular relationship, the first telescoping arm assembly having a first arm and a slide telescopically mounted on a guide of the first arm for relative rotation and longitudinal movement and the second telescoping arm assembly having a second arm and a socket member secured to one of the legs, the socket member cooperatively interengaging with the second arm to provide relative rotation and longitudinal movement therebetween.

The table mounting structure also includes a first selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the first arm allowing the slide to selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to releasably lock in place and a second selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the socket member allowing the second arm to selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to releasably lock in place. The chair with the foldable table of the present invention may or may not include armrests. In the case of a chair with armrests, the socket member can be secured to one of the legs. The first and second arms may be connected respectively to the slide and the socket member with a respective clamp assembly having a latching lever. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved table support structure for a chair.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved table structure which may be used with collapsible chairs. The chair of the present invention may also include a collapsible frame for supporting the seat and back portions. Further, the table may include a support for holding objects on the table, such as books, hingedly connected at the proximal edge of the table with a stop hinge to allow the support to be pivoted between a stored position at the proximal edge of the table and an upright in-use position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating device with a foldable table made in accordance with the present invention, the chair and table support structure being in an up position, showing two of several possible positions of the table.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seating device with a foldable table made in accordance with the present invention, the chair and table support structure being in a folded position, showing two of several possible folded positions of the table.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a seating device with a foldable table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary front view of the table support structure.

FIG. 4B is a view similar to FIG. 4A but also showing a table secured to the table support structure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the table support structure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp assembly with a portion broken away to show details of a lever retention structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizing a collapsible chair.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Like numbers utilized throughout the various Figures designate like or similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the present invention, it will be understood that variations of the present invention may be applied in combination with various seating devices with a foldable table, and it is not limited to the specific examples described herein.

A seating device with a foldable table structure is provided. FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible (or foldable) chair 10 equipped with a table assembly 20 of the present invention which includes a table 21 and table support structure designated generally as 30. When the chair 10 is in ready-to-use position as shown in FIG. 1, the movement of the table 21 is restricted by releasable clamp assemblies designated generally as 40, 50. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, they illustrate various positions of the table including in a folded down position, FIG. 2, and a use position, FIG. 1. The table 21 can be releasably fixed in a variety of positions depending on the user's desires. The chair 10, as illustrated includes a seat assembly 12 having a pair of U-shaped braces 14 and a fabric seat 13, a suitable number of legs, such as two pairs of legs 16, a pair of opposing armrests 18 and a fabric backrest 15. Each of the armrests 18 is connected to a respective pair of the legs 16. The braces 14 have intersecting intermediate portions that are pivoted to each other as at 16A, lower end portions that are connected pivotally and respectively to the lower end portions of the legs 16 as at 16B, and upper end portions that are connected pivotally and respectively to the upper end portions of the legs 16 as at 16C or lower end portions of the armrests 18 via links 17. The braces 14 can be configured in a variety of shapes. Of course, other means for the seat frame 14 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The seat 13 has opposite lateral sides secured to the upper end portions of the U-shaped bars 14, respectively. When the seat assembly 12 is opened, the seat assembly 12 forms a chair frame and the fabric seat 13 is also opened up by the seat assembly to form a seat base. The fabric backrest 15 is disposed on each top end of the elongated portions of the two rear legs 16. The links 17 are designed to reinforce the structure of the foldable chair 10 and to facilitate folding of the latter. The seat assembly 12 can be configured in a variety of shapes. For example, the chair 10 may have any suitable number of legs preferably with a minimum of three legs. The seating device also includes the table support structure 30 connected to, e.g., the leg 16 of the chair. Alternatively, the table support structure 30 may be connected to the armrest 18 of the chair 10.

Referring to FIG. 4A, 4B, and 5, the illustrated table support structure 30 is shaped as an inverted L having a first and second telescoping arm assemblies 35, 37 positioned in an angular relationship to one another and preferably fixed in their relative angular position. The first and second telescoping arm assemblies 35, 37 include a first and second arm 34, 36 and clamp assembly 40, 50, respectively, having portions disposed generally perpendicular to one another. The illustrated clamp assemblies 40, 50 are the same in construction and operation. The table support structure 30 can be configured in a variety of shapes. The first telescoping arm assembly 35 includes a slide 38 movably mounted on the arm 34 which functions as a guide for relative rotation and longitudinal movement. A latch or locking mechanism 48 may be provided to hold the slide 38 in a preselected position on the arm 34. An example of a locking mechanism 48 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this example, the slide 38 is secured to the first arm 34 with a first clamp 40 having a latching lever 48. Toggle clamps are preferably used here and may provide friction and provide securement in a locked condition by an over center locking construction and/or shoulder 41 to shoulder 51 mechanical interlock. The first clamp 40 may be operated between the lock and unlock positions by operating a single lever 48 or handle. Referring to FIG. 5, the first clamp 40 includes a first clamp half 42, a second clamp half 44, holes 43, 45, a screw 46, a pin 47, and the latching lever 48 and interlocking shoulders 41 and 51. Both clamp halves 42, 44 are configured to define a clamp bore 49. The bore 49 is formed to fit the outer diameter of the slide 38. The screw 46, in combination with a lock nut (not shown) may be inserted through the hole 43 to secure the first clamp half 42 of clamp 40 to the slide 38. Other means for securing the clamp 40 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The clamp 40 connects and releasably secures the first arm 34 and the slide 38 together. The clamp 40 also includes the latching lever 48. The latching lever 48 is pivotally mounted on the tension pin 47 which may be secured to the clamp 40 by a lock nut (not shown). The tension pin 47 is inserted through the hole (not shown) through ears 45. When the latching lever 48 is pivoted to the lock position (FIG. 6), the latching lever 48 is operated normally to restrict the slide 38 against to movement. On the other hand, when the lever 48 is pivoted to the unlock position (FIG. 5), the clamp half 44 reduces clamping force against the slide 38, and hence reduces friction between the slide 38 and the first arm 34 so that the slide 38 can rotate 360°, if desired, and move longitudinally relative to the first arm 34. The slide 38 may be provided with one or more slots 63 to help effect circumferential expansion and contraction of the slide 38 in response to operation of the clamp 40.

The second arm 36 is movably and pivotally mounted in the receptacle of a socket member 32 which in turn is mounted to a leg 16 as with a mounting bracket 65 and fasteners 66. A stop 67 may be provided to limit axial movement of the arm 36 within the socket member 32. The second arm 36 is retained to the socket member 32 with a second clamp 50 having a latching lever 58. The second clamp 50 includes an first clamp half 52, a seconds clamp half 54, holes 53, 55, a screw 56, a pin 57, and the latching lever 58. Both clamp halves 52, 54 are configured to define a bore 59. The bore 59 is formed to closely fit the outer diameter of the socket member 32. The screw 56 may be inserted through the hole 53 to secure the clamp to the socket member 32. Other means for securing the clamp 50 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The second clamp 50 connects and secures the second arm 36 to the socket member 32. The latching lever 58 is pivotally mounted on the tension pin 57. The tension pin 57 is inserted through the hole (not shown) in ears 55. When the latching lever 58 is pivoted to the lock position, the latching lever 58 is operated normally to clamp the socket member 32 to the arm 36. The socket member 32 may be provided with one or more slots 63 to facilitate circumferential expansion and contraction of the socket member in response to operation of the clamp mechanism 50. On the other hand, when the lever 58 is pivoted to the unlock position, the surface defining bore 59 has reduced friction against the socket member 32 so that the second arm 36 can rotate 360°, if desired, and move longitudinally relative to the socket member 32. Both clamps 40, 50 can be replaced with other types of clamps having releasable latches. Other types of clamps for pivotally and movably connecting the slide 38 to the first arm 34 and the second arm 36 to the socket member 32 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The socket member 32 is secured to the leg 16 in the illustrated structure. The socket member 32 functions similar to the slide 38 and is disposed generally vertically while the slide 38 is disposed generally horizontally. The arms 34, 36 are movable relative to their respective slide 38 socket member 32 to effect adjustment of the position of the table 21. The clamps 40, 50 releasably retain the table 21 in a position as desired by the user. While the socket member is shown as being secured to a leg 16, it is to be understood that the arm 36 could be received over a pin or the like instead of within the socket 32 to permit both rotational and longitudinal movement of the arm 36. In that event, the arm 36 could have the slots 63 therein and the clamp 50 mounted to the arm 36 instead of the socket member 32.

As will become apparent in the following description, the simple structure and axes of movement of the present invention allow a level of flexibility and versatility that has never been achieved in table positioning systems.

As seen in FIG. 1 and 3, the rotation of the second arm 36 about axis A controls how close the table 21 is to the user as he/she sits in the chair 10. The user may loosen the lever 58 and move the table 21 closer or further away from the backrest 15 of the chair 10. This allows the user to select the most comfortable horizontal position of the table 21. This also allows the user to get into and out of the chair 10. Further, this allows the table 21 to rotate to the side of the armrest 18 for the folded down position of the table 21. The user may also adjust the longitudinal position of the table 21 along axis B by moving the slide 38 closer or further away from the axis A. When the user exerts a force to push the table 21 or the slide 38 in the longitudinal direction, the slide 38 is also forced in the longitudinal direction into or out of the first arm 34.

As seen in FIG. 2 and 3, the slide 38 may be used to permit rotation of the table 21 around the axis B. The user may loosen the latch 48 and adjust the angular position of the table 21 such that it provides the optimum position for the user's application. The slide 38 can be locked in any position via locking the latch 48. The supporting bar 22 may be used to hold objects on the table 21. Further, this allows the user to fold down the table 21. The user may also raise or lower the table 21 and hence axis B (along axis A) by moving the second arm 36 up and down. When the user exerts a force to push the table 21 or the second arm 36 upward or downward, the second arm 36 is also forced upward or downward within the socket member 32. This allows the user to select the most comfortable vertical position of the table 21.

The table 21 is mounted on the slide 38. Collars 60 enclose portions of the slide 38 and the table 21 is secured to the slide 38 via the collars 60 with locking bolts 61 and nuts (not shown). The collars 60 are affixed to the slide 38 with a rivet 62. When the slide 38 moves longitudinally or rotates, the table 21 affixed to the slide 38 moves or rotates together.

An optional feature of the present invention is the use of the support for holding objects, such as a plate (not shown) on the table 21. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4B, the support 22 is generally positioned adjacent to the proximate or bottom edge of the table 21 to prevent objects on the table 21 from sliding down. Two pivoting bars 24 are hingedly connected to opposing ends of the support 22 and are also hingedly connected at bottom edge of the table 21 with stop pins 26 to allow the support 22 to be pivoted between a stored position on the bottom edge of the table 21 and an upright in-use position.

FIGS. 7 discloses an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As explained above, the table support structure 130 can be used with a non-foldable chair 10. The chair comprises a seat 113, a backrest 115, four legs 116, a table 21, and a table support structure 30. The table support structure 30 is secured to one of the legs 116. The seat or seat frame can be configured in a variety of shapes. Of course, other means for a seat will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The seat assembly can be also configured in a variety of shapes. For example, the chair 110 may have any suitable number of legs. The table support structure 30 may be described as above.

Various components of the chair 10, e.g., the braces 14, leg 16, armrests 18 and arms 34, 36 are preferably made of tubular members that are preferably metallic. The seat 13 and backrest are preferably made of a fabric that may be woven or knit and can be made of natural or synthetic fibers, e.g., cotton, nylon, polyester or polypropylene.

Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. A seating device with a foldable table comprising: a seat assembly including on a plurality of legs; a table; a support structure having first and second telescoping arm assemblies in an angular relationship, said first telescoping arm assembly having a first arm and a slide telescopically mounted on the first arm for relative rotation and longitudinal movement and said second telescoping arm assembly having a second arm and an arm mounting member secured to the seat assembly, said arm mounting member cooperatively interengaging with the second arm to provide relative rotation and longitudinal movement therebetween, said table being mounted to said slide; a first selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the first arm allowing said slide to selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to lock in place; and a second selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the arm mounting member allowing the second arm to selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to lock in place.
 2. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1 including at least one armrest.
 3. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 2, wherein the arm mounting member is secured to one of the legs.
 4. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first selectively releasable clamp assembly having a latching lever.
 5. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second selectively releasable clamp assembly having a latching lever.
 6. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first selectively releasable clamp assembly and the second selectively releasable clamp assembly each including a latching lever with a shoulder each interengageable with a respective shoulder of a clamp body of a respective clamp assembly for releasably retaining a latching lever in a closed position.
 7. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 6, wherein the arm mounting member including a socket forming member secured to one of the legs and adapted to receive at least a portion of the second arm within a socket defined by the socket member.
 8. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1, wherein the table further includes a support for holding objects on the table and being hingedly connected adjacent a proximal edge of said table with a stop hinge to allow said support to be pivoted between a stored position and an upright in-use position.
 9. A collapsible chair with a foldable table comprising: a chair including a back and a seat assembly mounted on a plurality of legs, said chair being foldable; a table; a support structure having first and second telescoping arm assemblies in an angular relationship, said first telescoping arm assembly having a first arm and a slide telescopically mounted the first arm for relative rotation and longitudinal movement and said second telescoping arm assembly having a second arm and a socket member secured to a portion of the chair, said socket member cooperatively interengaging with the second arm to provide relative rotation and longitudinal movement therebetween, said table being mounted to said slide; a first selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the first arm allowing said slide to selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to lock in place; and a second selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the socket member allowing the second arm to selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to lock in place.
 10. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim 9 including at least one armrest.
 11. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim 10, wherein the socket member is secured to one of the legs.
 12. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim 9, wherein the first selectively releasable clamp assembly including a latching lever.
 13. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim 12, wherein the second selectively releasable clamp assembly including a latching lever.
 14. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim 9, wherein the table further includes a support for holding objects on the table hingedly connected adjacent a proximal edge of said table with a stop hinge to allow said support to be pivoted between a stored position on said bottom surface of said table and an upright in-use position. 